yave1964 Posted February 15, 2019 Share Posted February 15, 2019 Final division Wow is this a tough one, Currently the Isles are looking very good in first place and the CBJ, Caps and Pens would also make the playoffs HOWEVER the Sabres and Hurricanes are on the outside but very close, the Flyers have been hot. Literally nobody in the division is a lock to make the playoffs. NEW YORK ISLANDERS The Islanders are in first, 3 points ahead of the Caps and are close but not quite a certainty to make the playoffs. NEEDS Eric Staal was mentioned today on THN as tied to the Islanders which is a perfect fit if it happens. That is the primary need, a top six center. TRADE BAIT Josh Ho Sang and Michael Del Colle are rumored to being dangled for players for their playoff run. They have only 2 picks in the first 5 rounds and therefor picks aren't likely going to be used. WASHINGTON CAPITALS Last years champs are hanging in there but have clear deficiencies. Likely a playoff team. NEEDS They need a top four defender and a middle six winger badly. TRADE BAIT Burakovsky is rumored to be available for a defender, goalie prospect Ilya Samsonov is possibly available as both Holtby and Copley are tied up long term. COLUMBUS BLUEJACKETS Tied with the Penguins for 3rd in the division 3 points ahead of the Hurricanes and trying to hold on. NEEDS They need to identify what the hell to do with Panarin and Bobrovsky. If they keep the tow of them and miss the playoffs or get knocked out in the first round again and they move on it is a disaster. This is a public agony for the team. TRADE BAIT Panarin/bob obviously. If they decide to keep them and go for it this year they are targeting Dzingel, who went to Ohio State. PITTSBURGH PENGUINS Tied with the Jackets for 3rd, on the cusp of sneaking into the playoffs or having a disaster by missing the playoffs. NEEDS They need a defender but Schultz is back, they already made their move with Bjugstad and McCann. They might go for a 4th liner. TRADE BAIT Tristan Jarry may be moved in the right deal. Kessel has been rumored to be discussed. CAROLINA HURRICANES Barely out of the playoffs right where they usually finish but they have an exuberance that they hope will get them into the playoffs. NEEDS A top six center is a must, goalie has been smoke and mirrors but still holding up. TRADE BAIT if they decide that they are not going to make the playoffs pending UFA Ferland will get them a nice return. Mrazek and Mcelhiney are both free agents as well. Also if they fall out of the race captain Justin Williams may be moved. This is a team big time in play, they may try to add Staal or blow it up. PHILADELPHIA FLYERS Came back from the dead after a crazy first half, Carter Hart has them back in the conversation at the least. NEEDS time. They only have a week to decide if they are in the race and want to keep UFA Simmonds or to move him out for futures. They are one of the hottest teams in the East but time is getting short. TRADE BAIT Well Simonds clearly if they decide it is time to think of next year, Raffl is an UFA as well and will likely be moved as well if they decide to pull the plug. Weird rumor is Elliott to the Oilers for UFA Talbot and a slight pick upgrade freeing up money for the Oilers. Gudas is also rumored to be on the move. NEW YORK RANGERS Out of it, stick a fork in them. NEEDS The Rangers are getting ready to go into full rebuild with nearly the entire team available. They would like to keep Kevin Hayes but the return would be very big for him. TRADE BAIT Zuccarello is almost certainly gone, Hayes as well, Hayes is tied by rumors to Colorado. Vesey is available and the biggie might be Kreider who has several years still under contract and could bring in a very nice return. NEW JERSEY DEVILS Splat. The team went off a cliff when Hall went down and Schneider refuses to win a game. NEEDS offensive defenseman, a top six center, a few top six wingers and goalie help. In other words last year was a fluke and they still suck. TRADE BAIT They have a half a dozen meh UFA's led by Lovejoy and Johansson as well as Kincaid who might bring in some picks. THAT finishes the four divisions with moves and predictions that are almost certain to go wrong. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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